Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake in Idaho is a high-altitude tarn famed for its turquoise waters and rich sockeye salmon lore. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, it’s a hub for hiking, camping, and water activities.
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Geography
| Address | Redfish Lake, Teton County, Idaho, USARedfish Lake Road |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Teton |
| District | Sawtooth National Recreation Area |
| City | Clearwater |
| Neighborhood | Redfish Valley |
| Postal Code | 83464 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 43.799 |
| Longitude | -114.956 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMERedfish Lake sits at approximately 5,950 feet in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, forming a striking glacial tarn beneath jagged peaks and across from the Redfish Creek valley. The lake is most famous for its bright turquoise color, a result of glacial silt and perfect alpine clarity, and for its historic sockeye salmon migration that passed through during early 20th-century spawning runs. Visitors come for the Redfish Lake Trail—a 7-mile round-trip hike with lakeside beaches and mountain views—along with camping near the surface and canoeing on the gentle water. Nearby amenities include park facilities and services at Sun Valley and Ketchum, but most access points and trailheads are via the Redfish Lake Road that climbs steeply from US-93. The lake acts as both an outdoor gateway and a serene escape for anglers, boaters, and overnight travelers seeking a classic North Idaho alpine experience.
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